by Romi Hart
“Door’s open,” Corey replied. Harrison opened the door to step inside.
“Where’s Eli?” he asked.
“Probably with Rory,” Corey shrugged. “Why?”
“Everyone down at the strip club is still paranoid over Skye’s attack. The security detail fucking blows down there. We still don’t have enough men on it. I slammed right through the back entrance without any problem. What would have happened had I been a Raven?” he asked.
Corey’s eyes narrowed. He obviously wasn’t happy with the assessment, but what was Harrison supposed to do? He had every spare man he could trust not to be more interested in pawing the girls than doing their job onsite all the time. It just wasn’t enough. “We just closed on the deal, so it’s going to take time to get more guards in, especially with the vetting process. We don’t want to hire just anyone, right? At least it wasn’t totally left unguarded,” Corey pointed out.
“I get that, but we need to protect those girls. The whole point of taking over was to make sure we could beef up security without impacting our bottom line and to make money instead. Those women are living assets. Without them we don’t have much of a business,” Harrison said.
“I know, and I’m going to talk to Eli about it this afternoon. We’ll have some more guys down there by the time the weekend rolls around,” Corey promised.
“Good, that’s what I wanted to hear. I’m hitting the shop,” Harrison said, saluting Corey with a wave and walking back out the door. He wasn’t thrilled with having to wait, but at least they had reinforcements coming in for the weekend rush.
“Ya sure about that game, bro?” Guy called to him as he sauntered through the main room.
Harrison shook his head and offered a wave. “I need to keep every penny I’ve got. I landed a nice, fat ticket yesterday,” he stated, slipping out the door and moving toward his bike.
How the hell was he supposed to take care of that damn ticket, secure the girls and the strip club, and still keep his sanity? He needed to do a little maintenance on his ride real fast so he could get on the road and clear his head.
2
When a woman had a goal and a background that didn’t quite match, ambition was the only choice she could make. At least Skye viewed the world that way. Sure, there were those who had a different outlook, such as those who leaned on a man to make their way, but when it came down to brass tacks, Skye had learned from her mistakes. She’d grown up true Hard Knocks. And it seemed that a rare bravado had formed for her, the ability to keep on kicking through multiple TKOs. Lately, it seemed like the hits just kept on coming.
Being a stripper wasn’t exactly her career goal, but she made great money at it and had learned over the past few years she could put on a hell of a show. And that’s when the gears started turning and she started forming her own ideas for a new life, a new career in the making. Once it began, Skye conceived the perfect blue print for an elegant and respectable exotic club. Not a strip joint or a dive like this place, but a gentlemen’s club, pricey and selective with the clientele.
And she’d be the owner, the boss, not the commodity.
After the shooting incident, Skye found it hard to go back to work and considered moving on, but that ass-kicking ambition hit her square in the ass, and she knew she couldn’t quit. Not if she wanted to succeed in earning enough to accomplish her mission. She had hoped that, since the Devil’s Flames MC bought the club, the security would improve, but after her routine ended and she glanced down the dressing room hallway, her hopes tanked. She wasn’t asking for instant miracles, just a feeling of safety.
Normally, she would have made a beeline straight for her room to change her clothes, but with the lack of men posted, she hesitated, glancing back and refusing to make that short but alarming trek. Slipping her arms into a silky black kimono-style robe, she wrapped it around her body and tied it off at her waist. She strode to the bar and spotted Harrison, one of the Devil’s Flames she didn’t know nearly as well as Eli. He’d been working alongside Eli, and she’d definitely taken notice of him. In fact, she and Rory had talked about Harrison a bit, and she felt he would be responsible for making sure the strip joint had guards in the right place, at all times. She felt strongly that, under his supervision, even with Eli dialing it back a little, nothing like the other night would happen again.
She wanted to talk to him, let him know she was still nervous and maybe ask if he’d walk her back. And if maybe, going forward, they could have at least two men on the hall for security, one at each end. So, she stepped forward, noting the skinny new brunette, June, glued to his side.
“Hi,” Skye hedged. Harrison’s eyes flickered over her with a look of annoyance as he pulled June closer to him.
“You ready for that dance?” he asked, looking at June as he avoided Skye with obvious intent. She blinked in confusion as June giggled and piped up,
“Sure thing, cowboy. I’ll lead the way!” she cooed at him. Her stomach twisted into knots. What the fuck had just happened? She couldn’t think of anything she’d done to deserve such coldness, from anyone, much less a man who seemed so dead set on protecting her and the other girls.
“Are they all like that?” she asked, jutting her thumb over her shoulder. The bartender chuckled.
“Can’t say I know. That’s one of those dilemmas a bartender can’t solve. But that was a pretty dick move, if you ask me. What can I get for you?”
“The usual,” she muttered. She was completely taken aback. All she’d wanted was a little extra protection, something Harrison was tasked with providing, and he’d prioritized his cock over their safety.
She couldn’t deny that seeing him disappear with June like he had made her angry, and she was going to let Eli know about it. What else was Skye supposed to think other than that Harrison had accepted this role so he could screw everyone in the joint? It was exactly the reason she wanted to buy her own club and start a new era. There could be a refined way for women to dance erotically and artistically without having to resort to the shady business she knew went on in those backrooms.
It wasn’t something she engaged in and never would in the club. Sure, she had some clients she would dance for privately, but that’s all it could ever be. She was strictly hands off, and everyone knew it. Still, the fact that some girls were turning tricks under the blind eyes of management didn’t go unnoticed, and sometimes that made her even more reluctant about working her shifts. She’d hoped it would be different now, but it seemed like some of the Devil’s Flames weren’t above taking advantage of the open invitation rather than shutting it down.
What if one of the regulars started thinking they were entitled because of stuff like what that bimbo, June, offered?
She still didn’t understand why the skimpy bitch had been hired. There were at least four other girls who Skye knew right off the bat could dance better and were more attractive than June. Plus, her name made Skye grind her teeth.
She likens herself to Juno for Christ sakes! She thinks she’s a fucking modern Aphrodite – completely absurd.
It disgusted Skye to no end. And she wasn’t sure if it was because of sullying the reputation of erotic artforms and dance, or if it was because of the fact that she felt there was no shame in upping the ante and putting other co-workers at risk. What if one of the girls got raped – or worse?
“There you go.”
“Thanks,” she sighed and knocked her drink back quickly, shaking her head. “You know something? It seems like a no-brainer to have more dudes up here. Especially with rumors about those Ravens. I just wanted to talk to him about it, get his thoughts. Why the hell wouldn’t he at least talk to me?” Skye pondered.
“Maybe because he’s already thinking about it? Plus, he’s kind of cocky,” the bartender shrugged.
“Aren’t they all?” Skye scoffed. Even Eli, who was generally a good guy, quiet and respectful, had an overly developed ego in some areas.
The bartender gave a nod toward the entra
nce as a new customer walked in. “Isn’t that one of your top dollar pigs?” The bartender’s eyes flickered toward the man as he made his way toward the bar. Skye sucked in a breath and nodded, glancing at her shot glass.
“Hurry, fill me up. I’ve got to get changed if I want to make those kind of tips. I don’t want him seeing me like this,” she glanced down at the kimono.
The bartender chuckled. “There you go.”
Skye took the shot and replaced the glass, disappearing backstage before her customer sought her out. In the long run, what mattered was sucking it the fuck up, making the dough, and wearing the right shade of lipstick for the job. Which was just what she intended on doing. Such was the art of the hustler’s heart.
There was more to Skye’s ambition than just having her own business. Success meant something more to her. All she honestly wanted was her own home and a sense of independence she hadn’t had as an adult, and a certain security financially that she had never been given as a child. To feel roots in a place she could breathe for once. The seedy joint she worked at paid well, but there was definitely no serenity to it. Certain customers like the police officer who regularly paid her visits gave outrageous tips. Desperate men like him were the key to survival in this joint.
He had told her in private dances, where he showered her with money, about his wife, his family, his title, even his fucking dog’s name. Skye presumed he thought of it as some twisted type of therapy, or perhaps even felt like she was some sick sort of mistress, and, like a barber or hairstylist, she got to be the sounding board for gripes and complaints that otherwise couldn’t be spoken.
Which only fueled her idea. She could provide a cabaret, where men who felt they weren’t respected or heard elsewhere came for the ideal, not just for the view. It was an expensive endeavor, and she found herself trying to entice the cop to lace her panties with another couple of fifties, or a hundo or two, which wasn’t farfetched based on experience. She still didn’t understand how he could afford such hefty tips, but she wasn’t going to complain.
Besides, it wasn’t her job to be the morality police, not that she could influence other people’s actions anyhow. But she knew there would be a sort of ethos to her business, which meant the stuff June was doing to Harrison in the room next door would never fly in her club. It would have to be a cold day in hell.
“Hey, Chris,” Skye purred as she slid into the VIP room. The tall and ruggedly handsome blue-eyed man with the shaved head looked up at her, his back pressed into the couch. He regarded her with a nod and tilted his head.
“If it isn’t Heavenly Skye,” he said with a wink, “The one angel who still hides her wings and sacrifices to please others.” He chuckled. Skye felt her cheeks singe a bit and shook her head.
“You, sir,” she practically growled as she sauntered over to him with a seductive sway of the hips, “are entirely too sweet. Has anyone ever told you that?”
“Oh, believe me, I can be as dark as the devil himself. It’s about balance. All good things have a dark side,” he said. Skye chuckled, arching her back slightly as she slid her hands over his knees and popped her backside, turning as her hands slid from his legs and up her sides, to the nape of her neck where she gathered up her hair as she began to rock her shoulders, allowing the motion to flow through her spine down to her hips, which gyrated as she twirled back to face him.
“Thankfully, an angel never needs to be afraid to face the devil, right?” she winked back at him.
* * *
A week passed, and Skye still hadn’t managed to get Harrison to listen to her concerns, but thankfully, the Devil’s Flames had sent over more men. Which was good because Harrison seemed to be more concerned with shafting every one of Skye’s coworkers, and she knew well enough that June had only been the beginning.
Not that it was any of her business, and the biker was hot as hell, so she couldn’t blame the girls for wanting him, but she didn’t trust that any of these women, especially June, made responsible decisions when it came to safe sex, so Skye wasn’t going to allow herself to become another notch in Harrison’s belt.
She still felt vulnerable and insecure, though the addition of several more guards who weren’t just there to enjoy the scenery and surroundings like Harrison went a long way in easing that burden. And even having Harrison there while she was working, even if he was wholly preoccupied, made her feel a little more at ease. Better yet, Chris the Cop was doing so well he had come in just about every day with wads of cash exclusively for her. More to add to the dreams and hopes fund. She grinned inwardly at how much she had already scored from him alone, not to mention her other regulars and the few random customers who happened to buy one of her private dances.
She also noticed that, just as she had hoped, two guards at minimum were always down the hall where the girls changed. It was how she’d run her own place. Some of her ideas had come from learning about showgirls in Las Vegas and how to protect the interests of one’s performers something a lot of owners didn’t give a shit about. That endangered the girls.
But, as her work week came to an end, Skye was wholeheartedly excited to get the hell out of the club and far away from the man who made her feel like she was walking on eggshells every single time he walked in.
Skye gave a soft sigh and lifted her cell pressing the speed dial button for Rory,
“Hello?” Rory answered sounding a bit winded.
“Hey, are you busy?”
“No, I was just doing some stretches. What’s up?” she asked.
“It’s been a long week. Care to share some of that peace emanating from your aura with me?”
“You really should come down for a free session and see what it’s like. It’s good for your mind. Especially since the atmosphere at the club has you so high-strung,” Rory pointed out.
“I might take you up on it. Can I ask you a question?” Skye asked.
“Sure.”
“Was Harrison a dick to you when you first met him?” Skye asked.
“Not really. Actually, he was borderline flirtatious,” Rory remarked. “I think he has a thing for blondes.”
“I don’t know about that. He’s so standoffish to me. The other night when I tried to talk to him about security he totally blew me off to go bone one of the new girls Charlie hired. And I have to say, this one’s a true slut.” Skye rolled her eyes as she admitted her true feelings about June. She was just calling it as she saw it.
“Harsh words for a coworker, don’t you think?” Rory teased.
“I’m just calling a spade a spade.”
“There’s that brash boldness I love,” Rory laughed. “Honestly, your guess is as good as mine when it comes to Harrison. He always seemed to be appreciative of the ladies, especially ones that fit the bill. Namely, brash and intelligent. That’s his MO, so I’m not sure what he has against you, if anything. He might just be in a mood. You would probably be best just asking him flat out.”
Skye wrinkled her nose in distaste. “Every time I approach him, he gets icy or flees the scene at all costs. And, usually, there’s a hot chick or two hanging off his arm, so it’s hard to pin him down,” Skye sighed.
“Yeah, that sounds like Harrison. I don’t know. You want me to ask Eli?” Rory asked.
“No, I just needed to vent, that’s all.” Rory had been great, the two of them getting close even though they had known each other for such a short time. But the first woman that had Eli’s boxers all in a twist had to be good company, and though Skye tended not to trust anyone, she’d easily succumbed to the yoga master’s charm and happiness.
“Let me know if you change your mind. Are you sure you won’t come down for the session? It would help clear that negative headspace.”
“I’m pretty tired. But let’s compromise. When is your next class?”
“Thursday night at seven. You should start with the beginner’s class,” Rory stated.
“Okay, well don’t write me in for certain, but I’ll definitel
y try to make it,” Skye stated.
“It’ll be fun,” Rory tempted, “And we’ll turn it into a girls’ night out, if you make it.”
“Okay, no need to twist my arm or anything. I’ll go,” Skye relented, smiling at Rory’s insistence.
“Good, I’m going to expect you there. Do you want me to pick you up?” Rory asked.
Skye chuckled to herself. “No, but I appreciate the offer. I promise I won’t let you down. I’ll see you Thursday night.” She usually worked Thursdays, but several of the other girls would jump at a chance to switch shifts, and honestly, Skye thought she could use some time with a more normal woman, if Rory could be described as such.
“Yeah, well, with me running the show over here; you’re going to get addicted and want to come to every class,” Rory joked.
“We’ll see. I better get off here and hit the shower.” Skye ended the call and smiled, sighing to herself. At least she had Rory for girl talk, which was one blessing. And one thing she knew for sure about a girls’ night with her – the woman who was pregnant with Eli’s twins sure as hell wouldn’t be taking them out drinking.
3
Harrison hadn’t exactly intended to be such a dick to Skye. He didn’t hate her, but avoidance was more of a defense mechanism for him. She was probably the hottest woman at the club, small and fragile in appearance and all natural, though fierce in spirit. But when it came to Skye, something made her stand out beyond the beauty. She was definitely different from the other girls, and it was unnerving. And it’s what made her the star of the show.
Truth be told, Harrison had felt this magnetic attraction to her from the moment he first saw her, though it didn’t make any damn sense. He liked women, and he found a great many of them attractive. But he wasn’t drawn to them.
Skye had done more than the average boner-raising bitch. She intrigued a side of him he didn’t even know he had. With the life he lived, that was jut asking for trouble. When it came right down to it, Harrison saw Skye as a woman who was notches above him, far out of his league and setting a standard far too high for him to achieve. He didn’t deserve to even think about a woman like her. He didn’t want to be dragging more people into his shit end of the universe, and he was sure Skye didn’t want that either.
